David Merrill (Robert De Niro), a fictitious 1950s Hollywood director, returns from filming abroad in France to find that his loyalty has been called into question by the House Committee on... See full summary »

A conflict develops between a troubled Vietnam veteran and the sister he lives with when she becomes involved romantically with the army buddy who reminds him of the tragic battle they both... See full summary »

A comedy about a screenwriter (Wuhl) whose old movie script is read by a producer (Landau) and the search for financial backers begins. But it seems that each money source (Aiello, DeNiro, ... See full summary »

Storyline

New York City homicide detective Vincent LaMarca has forged a long and distinguished career in law enforcement, making a name for himself as a man intensely committed to his work. But on his latest case, the stakes are higher for Vincent--the suspect he's investigating is his own son. He and Joey have been painfully estranged ever since Vincent divorced his wife and left the decaying boardwalks of Long Beach, Long Island for the anonymity of Manhattan and a successful career with the NYPD. He lives his life in solitude, keeping his girlfriend at arm's length; the closest relationship he maintains is with his partner, Reg--and Vincent makes sure that stops at the precinct door. As long as Vincent lives in the protection of the present, he doesn't have to deal with the pain of his past--or his sorrow over his broken relationship with Joey. But this murder investigation is drawing Vincent home to Long Beach, the self-proclaimed City by the Sea, where the past has been waiting for him to ... Written by
Sujit R. Varma

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City By the Sea is definately the most depressing movie I have ever seen. It's amazing to see how much troubles one man has to endure all at once. I wasn't expecting much from this film but I was surprised at the strength that this movie has. It takes your emotions on a roller-coaster ride. Robert DeNiro has an amazing screen presence and his performance is very well done and is very convincing. It was great to see DeNiro in a role like this after seeing him in somewhat demeaning roles like that in 'Analyze This'. DeNiro is truly a powerful actor and this movie reassures that. James Franco is equally convincing as Robert DeNiro's junkie son. Some parts of the movie are so morbid that it is discouraging, but the overall excellence of City By the Sea is well worth it. At first the characters seem a little one-dimensional, but as the plot progresses all that changes. This is a very well done movie with great acting, directing and cinematography. Powerful and moving.

****

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